Let It Snow: Find Family-Friendly Winter Wonder at NASPA Ski Garden

Visiting Tokyo? Japan’s scenic snow-covered hilltops and fresh, crisp mountain air are a lot closer to the country’s busy urban capital than you might think. 

Break away from the hustle of the bustling metropolitan city atmosphere and find outdoor adventure in Yuzawa, Niigata, where you and the entire family can experience a winter wonderland at NASPA Ski Garden. The family-friendly skiers-only resort is tucked away in the snow-blanketed countryside. And NASPA Ski Garden is among the over a dozen ski resorts that take up residence across the snowy hillsides around the Yuzawa area. 

Lucky for you, it's all just a convenient, short trip away. In fact, you can arrive in as little as 90-minutes by way of the bullet train that departs from the urban city center of Tokyo Station. 

So, lace up your warmest snow boots and pull on your coziest parka — Yuzawa’s NASPA Ski Garden is calling.

Discover a winter wonderland at NASPA Ski Garden

NASPA Ski Garden is located within the picturesque mountainous landscapes of Yuzawa and is largely regarded as one of the most easily accessible ski resorts in the region. 

The family-friendly skiers-only ski hill offers both kids and adults the opportunity to hit the slopes with ski lessons, ski courses, and ski lift transportation up and down the ski hill. 

While snowboarding is prohibited at NASPA Ski Garden, boarders are welcome to stay at the NASPA New Otani Resort and are encouraged to visit other snowboard-friendly mountain resorts located in the Yuzawa area.

Take a ski lesson at NASPA Ski Garden and master the slopes

Whether it’s your first time on the slopes or if it’s been a while since you’ve last clipped into your skis, beginners and skiers looking to develop their skills can sign up for a ski lesson at NASPA Ski Garden. 

In partnership with the instructors and lesson operators from the company Canyons, the NASPA Ski Garden is able to offer both private and group ski lessons every day throughout the entire ski season. 

International travelers and ski fans can sign up for ski lessons conducted in English or Chinese, as lessons in both languages are offered at NASPA Ski Garden. 

• Availability: Lessons are available daily during the entire ski season. Start times and lesson lengths vary depending on the lesson that is booked.
• Minimum age: 4-years old
• Fee: 2-hour lessons start at 30,000 yen; 3-hour lessons start at 35,000 yen; 6-hour lessons start at 60,000 yen; Full day lessons (from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) are 80,000 yen

*Lift tickets, ski and equipment rentals, and insurance fees are not included in the lesson fee.

Put your skills to the test on a NASPA Ski Garden ski course

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just learning how to navigate the slopes, NASPA Ski Garden has a wide range of ski courses designed for skiers of all skill levels and varying degrees of ability. 

Great for the entire family, the NASPA ski courses range from gentle beginner slopes that are perfect for kids and new skiers to ungroomed, steep ski runs designed to challenge even the most advanced skiers.

• A Course (Intermediate)
Located closest to the NASPA New Otani Hotel, A Course is an intermediate run that is ideal for upper beginners and above. 
Length: 340 meters (1,115.49 feet)

• B Course (Beginner) 
B Course is a beginner course that is best for skiers looking to practice their technique. 
Length: 400 meters (1,312.34 feet)

• C Course (Advanced, Ungroomed)
Considered the most challenging course at NASPA Ski Garden, C Course has a steep slope gradient, large, challenging moguls, and sometimes, depending on the weather conditions and ski traffic, untouched powder. 
Length: 480 meters (1,574.8 feet)

• D Course (Advanced, Ungroomed)
Ungroomed, deep snow conditions and the steepest slope gradient at NASPA Ski Garden bring the most advanced skiers to D Course. 
Length: 750 meters (2,460.63 feet)

• E Course (Intermediate) 
E Course features both short and medium turns, which provides an adequate challenge for intermediate skiers. 
Length: 800 meters (2,624.67 feet)

• F Course (Beginner)
An overall gentle beginner course, F Course is ideal for new skiers learning to navigate the slopes and develop their confidence on skis. 
Length: 600 meters (1,968.5)

• G Course (Intermediate)
Not only is G Course the widest course at NASPA Ski Garden, but this exciting course also features wide curving turns and boasts a number of slope-style opportunities, including kicker, rail, and box for skiers to test their skills. 
Length: 580 meters (1,902.89)

• H Course (Beginner)
H Course is a long beginner course with fun wave features that travels all the way around the backside ski area of the NASPA Ski Garden area. 
Length: 1,600 meters (5,249.34)

Ride the ski lifts up and down the ski hill at NASPA Ski Garden

Getting up and down the ski hills is a breeze at NASPA Ski Garden. The ski resort area and its multiple ski courses are serviced by five different ski lifts, including two quad ski lifts, one triple ski lift, and two pair ski lifts. Lift ticket and season ticket fees vary. 

*Guests of the NASPA New Otani Hotel on a ski package do not need to purchase separate lift tickets to access the courses at NASPA Ski Garden. 

Ski Rentals at NASPA Ski Garden

There's no need to travel with heavy luggage and cumbersome ski gear. From cozy ski jackets and ski boots to skis and ski poles, NASPA Ski Garden offers a wide selection of ski gear and ski equipment that's available to rent onsite. Visitors and hotel guests can find everything that they need before hitting the ski slopes at the NASPA Ski Garden Rental Shop, which is conveniently located just outside of the hotel at the base of the ski hill. 

Play in the snow at NASPA Ski Garden

In addition to all of the ski-related activities, NASPA Ski Garden also offers outdoor winter-season activities for children. 

From playing in the fresh powdery snow to posing for a fun picture with Pingu, there is always time for family fun between ski runs at NASPA Ski Garden. 

Pingu Kids Garden

The Pingu Kids Garden is a safe, fenced play area for young children. Here, families and children can frolic in the snow and meet Pingu, NASPA Ski Garden’s popular penguin mascot. 

The Pingu Kids Garden features a life-size igloo structure as well as colorful inflatable play structures for young kids to explore. 

Centrally located, the Pingu Kids Garden is conveniently positioned near the hotel at the base of the ski hills. 

• Hours of operation: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily during the ski season
• Fee: 1,500 yen for a full day, 1,000 yen for a half day

Pingu Debut Area

Complementing the Pingu Kids Garden for young children, there’s also the Pingu Debut Area. 

This section of the NASPA Ski Garden is designed with young skiers in mind. The special course provides a safe environment on the ski hill where young skiers and beginners can work on their technique as they navigate the snowy slopes. 

The Pingu Debut Area is located on the lower part of F Course, a beginner-friendly ski area that can be accessed by skiers of all skill levels and abilities. 

• Hours of operation: Open during NASPA Ski Garden operating hours
• Fee: Free entry

Experience deluxe accommodations at the NASPA New Otani Resort

When your day on the slopes comes to an end, a rejuvenating retreat awaits you and your entire family at the NASPA New Otani Resort. 

Here, you can discover Niigata onsen hot springs, upscale fitness facilities, dining and nightlife, and so much more at the NASPA New Otani Resort. And it’s conveniently located at the base of the ski slopes, where you can ski in and ski out all season long.

Relax at the onsen hot springs at NASPA New Otani Resort

Hot springs boast benefits that range from relief from muscle pain to fatigue recovery, making a long soak in an onsen an absolute must after a long day on the ski hill.

Complimentary to guests of the NASPA New Otani Resort, the public onsen baths are open 22 hours a day and feature facilities that include separate men’s and women’s areas, standing showers, washing areas, relaxing spaces, sauna, jacuzzi, massage chairs, and an outdoor bath area. 

In addition to the public onsen bath, NASPA New Otani Resort has two smaller onsen bath rooms. Each bath has its own ambiance and private entrance. First, the Uono-no-yu, a Japanese-style onsen with the pleasant aroma of wood and a traditional appeal. And second, the more Western onsen featuring stone components and continental design, Omine-no-yu. 

Each of these private onsen baths is available via reservation and is exclusive for resort guests and their groups to enjoy in private. For more information regarding private onsen bath fees or to make a private onsen bath reservation in one of the two baths, contact the front desk at the NASPA New Otani Resort. 

Indulge in NASPA New Otani Resort’s premier spa services

While the skiing opportunities may bring you to NASPA New Otani, the resort’s world-class spa services and beauty-centric amenities might just make you want to extend your stay. 

Oxygen capsule 

Slip into the resort’s state-of-the-art oxygen capsule to heal the body and the mind after an afternoon on the slopes of NASPA Ski Garden. 

The high-pressure environment of an oxygen capsule can relieve fatigue by providing your body and your brain with a surplus of essential oxygen. Additionally, oxygen capsule experiences are linked to vitalizing the body’s cells and increasing metabolism. 

• Hours of operation: Generally open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Collagen machine 

Relax and enjoy the beauty benefits of a collagen machine during your stay at NASPA New Otani Resort. This techy machine uses a special lamp that boosts the production of collagen in the body for a fresh, rejuvenated feeling. 

Beauty benefits of the collagen machine include improved immunity, relief from muscle tension and muscle soreness, improvements to sensitivity to cold temperatures, boosted metabolism, and relief from dry skin, among other beauty-centric perks. 

• Hours of operation: 8:30 AM to 9:20 PM
• Fees: 4,000 yen

Massage packages

Treat your sore muscles to a relaxing massage during your visit. The NASPA New Otani Resort offers massage treatments in a tranquil, private setting to keep you feeling your best, so you can take on the slopes feeling ready and refreshed. 

For more information regarding massage packages or to schedule a massage, contact the front desk at the NASPA New Otani Resort.

Jump into the pool and train at the NASPA New Otani Resort fitness center

Sometimes, a vacation can wreak havoc on your fitness routine. But at NASPA New Otani Resort, you don’t have to worry about missing your next workout. 

NASPA New Otani Resort is equipped with a glimmering indoor swimming pool and a fitness facility any gym-goer can certainly appreciate. 

Located adjacent to the pool area, the NASPA New Otani Resort fitness room features a number of training machines, cardio equipment, weights, stability balls, and more. Everything you need for a great workout is at your fingertips. 

If swimming is more your speed, dip your toes, or dive right in, to the NASPA New Otani Resort fitness pool. This clean and contemporary resort pool zone features a series of roped swimming lanes, a steam room area, and bubbly jacuzzi that beckons visitors after a hard workout. Plus, there’s an adjoining lounge that’s great for relaxing post-workout. 

• Hours of operation: Generally open from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM during the ski season (last entry is at 7:30 PM)
• Fee: 1,200 yen for adults; 900 yen for children

Dine from day to night at the NASPA New Otani Resort

Restaurant Fontana 

This continental Western-style restaurant offers ample seating for families to come together around the table and enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner. Restaurant Fontana also has beautiful picture windows that overlook the ski resort grounds and nearby mountains, providing a meal with a view.

• Lunch hours of operation: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Dinner hours of operation: 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM

Restaurant Senbazuru 

Specializing in traditional Japanese fare and offering a set menu, Restaurant Senbazuru has a cozy ambiance that effortlessly complements the overall atmosphere of the resort, which makes for a memorable meal that’s best enjoyed when paired with the restaurant’s choice selection of Japanese sake. 

• Hours of operation: 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM

O’s Dining

Open for both breakfast and dinner, this mixed-style ‘eat all you like’ buffet offers something for every taste, even the pickiest eaters in your family. The dining room is outfitted with long dining tables, offering everyone a seat at the table, no matter how large your family might be. 

• Breakfast hours of operation: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Dinner hours of operation: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Shogetsu

Japanese-style teppanyaki is on the menu at this resort restaurant, where you can snag a seat at the communal-style counter and watch as a savory meal is prepared right before your eyes. 

• From 6:00 PM (single turn system)

Garden Lounge 

For a quick bite, stop by the Garden Lounge, located on the lobby floor, where you can fuel up with light refreshments. Large picture windows and casual seating options set the scene in this laidback lounge area. 

• Hours of operation: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Festa 

This upscale bar and entertainment area offers a lineup of cocktails, drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages. Great for a ‘second party,’ this space is open late and can even accommodate private reservations. 

• Hours of operation: 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM

Bar Capri 

Wet your whistle at this elegant bar where you’ll encounter a vast selection of custom cocktails, beer, spirits, whisky, and soft drinks, all of which are served in the bar's warm, hospitable setting. 

• Hours of operation: 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Karaoke Rooms 

Grab a microphone and sing your heart out in one of the resort’s three private karaoke rooms. Conveniently located nearby Festa, these karaoke rooms can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Visit the front desk for additional details. 

• Hours of operation: 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM

Getting to NASPA Ski Garden and NASPA New Otani Resort from Tokyo, Japan

Getting to the slopes has never been easier. In fact, NASPA Ski Garden and NASPA New Otani Resort are accessible by way of Tokyo via bullet train in less than two hours, in as little as 90-minutes. 

Travelers coming from Tokyo can access NASPA Ski Garden and NASPA New Otani Resort by taking the Joetsu bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. 

From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, it takes about three minutes to get to NASPA Ski Garden and NASPA New Otani Resort. 

There are free shuttle buses that run from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the NASPA New Otani Resort that are complementary to resort guests. 

Things to do nearby the Echigo-Yuzawa Station 

The Echigo-Yuzawa Station area isn’t just a place to catch a ride. The area features a range of things to do for both children and adults. 

Yuzawa is known for its plethora of hot springs and public onsen bath houses. And it’s not uncommon to find public onsen bath houses located around transportation stations, including the Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Whether you’re coming or going, you can relax and unwind in a warm, tranquil hot spring before catching the next train to your final destination. 

Additionally, adults can savor sake at a local sake shop where close to 100 unique varieties of Japanese sake and sake exclusively from the Niigata region are available to sample for about 500 yen. 

*Hours of operation and fees vary from business-to-business.